Sometimes it's a calculating client, an in-law, a boss or a significant other who stands in the way of a great design. Perhaps you have worked on your interior design for days or even hired a professional interior designer who has a vision for your home, and yet your reluctant party insists they want a particular piece of furniture or an atrocious work of art in a room. Think Frasier's father's worn and duct-taped recliner in the high-style context of the radio psychiatrist's airy penthouse. The name of the game is how to convince your resisting subject that your professional advice or well thought-out design is better than their personal desire. How you treat this situation is important; it will impact the ultimate design of your room and home.

More often than not, when a homeowner insists on a particular item or detail in a project, it is not because they feel their taste is superior. Often, it is psychology at play. At times it might be their way of taking ownership of the design or keeping some form of control over the project. It might even be a way to hold on to some idea or memory from their past. And why shouldn't they? After all, this is their home.

The first step is to ask your design nemesis to show you pictures or images of a design element that is similar to what they are suggesting. This shows your spirit of cooperation and your willingness to understand their point of view. Your ability to listen may just be enough for them to feel they have contributed to the design process. This exercise may also make them think about the outcome of the overall design and sway them to your side — or you to theirs.

When encountering such resistance, another strategy is to show them a particular furnishing or work of art that you consider an improvement on their selection. Explain to them why that item works so well. It might be the size, color or proportion that best fits the space. Your might follow your explanation by asking them what it is that they like about their particular item. Ask them to explain their design philosophy. A compromise could come from this conversation. Whether in the hands of a good designer or a significant other, the ultimate design should be reflective of those who live in the house.

Standing your ground can be quite complex. When you are sure your ideas are absolutely superior, let it be known. Just make sure you don't sound snotty or cocky. Justification should be made to the opposition with charm and with facts to support your design. If this is a client, document your choice in a friendly email, and if dealing with a spouse or family member, try working out a "what if" scenario, such as reupholstering an unsightly chair or shuffling some accessories around your home or out to a tag sale. This will allow you to tweak the design should the results be disastrous at a later date.

Refrain from bragging or "I told you so" scenarios. This will make any future projects even harder. And remember that the ultimate goal for your home is a great design that everyone loves.

Joseph Pubillones is the owner of Joseph Pubillones Interiors, an award-winning interior design firm based in Palm Beach, Florida. To find out more about Joseph Pubillones, or to read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

Photo credit: at Unsplash